Yosemite Weather in May: What to Expect and What to Pack
Monthly averages are NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals. Check the NPS alerts page for road and trail closures before you go.
By John LoveFacts checked against NPS.gov · Updated October 6, 2026May in Yosemite70°F days, 44°F nights at Yosemite Valley (4,018 ft), with about 1.9 inches of precipitation. Peak waterfall season usually arrives in May or June. Glacier Point Road typically opens sometime in May; Tioga Road usually opens late May or June depending on snowpack.
How elevation changes the weather in Yosemite
Estimated average high and low for each area in May, highest first. Air cools about 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet you climb, so the same day can feel like two different seasons.
- 8,600 ftTuolumne Meadows54° / 28°
- 7,214 ftGlacier Point59° / 33°
- 4,000 ftYosemite Valley70° / 44°
Estimates based on the long-term average at Yosemite Valley (4,018 ft). Check the live forecast for each area above before you go.
May compared with the months around it
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Precipitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| April | 63°F | 38°F | 3.2 in |
| May | 70°F | 44°F | 1.9 in |
| June | 80°F | 51°F | 0.5 in |
May is 7°F warmer than April by day, and June warms another 10°F.
Weather hazards to plan for
- Winter storms that bring snow and ice to Valley roads, with chain controls and closures (roughly November through April)
- Afternoon thunderstorms and lightning on exposed high-country summits and domes in summer
- Fast, cold snowmelt rivers and slippery rock near waterfalls in spring and early summer
- Snow-covered, hard-to-follow trails at higher elevations from about November through May or June
- Summer heat in the Valley (highs near 90°F) and wildfire smoke in some late summers
What to pack for Yosemite in May
Picked from Yosemite's average weather in May.
Nights average 44°F at Yosemite Valley, and higher campgrounds run colder. A bag rated about 10°F below the low keeps you warm.
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With nights near 44°F, hot meals and drinks make mornings much easier. Stoves are usually allowed even when campfires are banned.
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In bear country, coolers must go in your vehicle or a food locker when not in use.
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Yosemite in May: questions
What is the weather like in Yosemite in May?
At Yosemite Valley (4,018 ft), May averages 70°F by day and 44°F at night, with about 1.9 inches of precipitation. Peak waterfall season usually arrives in May or June. Glacier Point Road typically opens sometime in May; Tioga Road usually opens late May or June depending on snowpack.
How cold does Yosemite get at night in May?
Nights average 44°F at Yosemite Valley. Up at Tuolumne Meadows (8,600 ft) expect it about 16°F colder, near 28°F.
How does May compare with April?
May averages 70°F by day, 7°F warmer than April, and June averages 80°F.
What should I wear in Yosemite in May?
Plan for layers you can add and remove: a fleece or light puffy for mornings and evenings. Check the forecast for each area you will visit a few days before you go.
More for your Yosemite trip
- Yosemite National Park guideFees, hours, maps, where to stay and a first-day plan.
- Best Time to Visit Yosemite National ParkWhen to visit Yosemite: waterfall peak in May and June, Tioga and Glacier Point road seasons, February Firefall, winter access and the 2026 reservation status.
- How Many Days Do You Need in Yosemite?Plan 2 days for Yosemite Valley and 3 to 4 to add Glacier Point, Mariposa Grove and Tuolumne. Sample itineraries plus where to stay inside and outside the park.
- Best Hikes in Yosemite National ParkThe best Yosemite hikes, from easy waterfall walks to the Mist Trail and Half Dome, with NPS distances, elevation gain, permits and October 2026 closures.
- Camping in Yosemite National Park: Campgrounds, Reservations and TipsAll 13 Yosemite campgrounds with sites, fees, RV limits and 2026 dates, plus how the 15th-of-the-month reservation release works and where to camp nearby.